IncludesIncludes AFB Stain. If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87076 and/or 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149). Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).

InstructionsSputum:1. The specimen must be collected under the supervision of a nurse or physician to ensure proper collection procedures are followed. A first morning specimen is preferred.2. Instruct the patient to cough deeply to bring up sputum from the lungs (be sure to tell the patient you do not want post nasal discharge or saliva).3. Expectorate the sputum into a sterile container.4. Continue the procedure until 5-10 mL of sputum are collected. Note: minimum of 5 mL is best, but the quality of the sample is of equal importance.5. Securely fasten the top of the container. Place in a ziplock bagand submit.

Sputum cultures should be collected over a period of 3 days. A first morning specimen is preferred. If multiple same-day samples are submitted, only one will be processed.

Body fluids and bone marrow:1. Collect as much fluid as possible. keeping in mind that at least 3 mL is necessary for an adequate sample volume.2. Place in a sterile container and submit.

Skin lesion:1. Obtain a 1-3 mm biopsy of the margin of the lesion.2. Place in an aerobic/anaerobic transport system. [if not available, place in a sterile container between pieces of gauze moistened with sterile NON bacteriostatic saline.]

Bronchial washings, BAL:1. Collect as much bronchial material as possible, avoiding collection of material in areas that may be contaminated with the local anesthetic. Note: minimum of 5 mL2. Place the washings or brushes into a sterile tube. Brushes should be placed into a small volume of saline to keep from drying.

Tissue: 1. Obtain an adequate sample, preferably at least 1 cm3.2. Place in an anaerobic transport system.. [if not available, place in a sterile container between pieces of gauze moistened with sterile NON bacteriostatic saline.]

Urine: 1. Obtain the entire first morning urine.2. In the laboratory, transfer the specimen into sterile screw-capped tubes [no more than 70 ml/tube.]3. Send as a single specimen.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?) If multiple same-day sputum samples are submitted, only one will be processed.

MethodologyCulture for mycobacterium

Setup ScheduleSunday - Saturday

Report Available6 weeks

Reference RangeNo Acid Fast Bacillus isolated

Performing Laboratory
med fusion

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.
Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.